The largest crowd to ever attend the noon luncheon on homecoming weekend gathered at the Malden Community Center. It was estimated at just over 300 Malden Green Wave alumni, family and friends filled the community center for the annual alumni association banquet. View Photographs

For those who have visited the site to view photographs and did not see any new ones, forgive me for not quickly uploading after the weekend but I have been very busy with Maldenite Productions.

The weather was perfect and the celebrations seemed endless as hugs, laughter's and stories from the years past were told in small groups while they waited for the parade to begin. I have been photographing this event for many years and I can't remember storms that prevented the class parade. There have been times with very warm temperatures. This time of year in Malden can be very special and this homecoming weather was perfect September 4th, 5th and 6th with. View Photographs

Hayden's BBQ was built in 1948 and is considered one of the best BBQ and hamburger restaurants in Poplar Bluff. Since working at City Cable for a year, Hayden's has become one of my favorite places to dine during lunch breaks. I look forward to visiting each week and one of many reasons I like going there is to visit with the wonderful people who make it all happen. Over the months, Manager Marsha Johnson has become a new friend and a joy to see during the week. She always has a kind word and smile for all the many people who have been patrons for years. "What can I get you kids today", is the usual question Marsha will ask when customers are seated. All of Hayden's employees are a big reason that dining there is such a pleasure. Marsha has been working at Hayden's for 30 years and she makes you feel right at home and her staff work hard to make sure the meal is served with the perfected recipes.

Rock 'n roll hits from the 1960's fills the background. The music plays at just the right sound level to allow easy conversation. For me, good memories associated with particular songs, dim in and out while making small talk. Spice up your sandwiches with Franks Red Hot. Add Frank's Red Hot to your ketchup for a unique and different flavor. Pink lemonade is a house specialty and not to be missed if you like this type of drink. The menu is varied and offers many different selections of BBQ and sandwiches. If you want to call in your order, the drive-in window is a convenient service for customers.

My good friend and companion Gary Davis of City Cable joins me each week. He is the sales and marketing manager for City Cable of Poplar Bluff Utilities. Gary spent many childhood days in Hayden's because he grew up a half block from the restaurant. Hayden's location is unique because it is in a residential area and makes the restaurant even more cozy and comfortable. Not much has changed since 1948. Gary did mention that the present building is larger than the original building. A small fire caused the remodeling to add a larger dining area. The 1940's and 50's decor, large windows that allows plenty of sunshine and tunes of yesteryear make this a great place to enjoy a wonderful meal with good friends.

If you visit Poplar Bluff, I highly recommend you include lunch or dinner at Hayden's BBQ on Maude Street. Here are the directions.

Below is iPhone images of last Thursday's excellent sandwich and fries. . . delivered with a smile from Ms. Marsha, of course.

Slide show of Hayden's BBQ (look for full screen button on the far right of the player)

Malden Scout Hut was dedicated as the Dean Noe Memorial Scout Hut on Saturday afternoon March 6th, at 1:30 in Frisco Park. Approximately 150 Maldenites gathered for the celebration of scouting in Malden and a memorial ceremony remembering Dean and Lindola Noe for their years of volunteer leaders in Malden. The list in the photograph below tells the story of volunteers and businesses that made this dedication possible. Mr. "Butch" Burrow was presented with a scouting award from Malden Scouts. Mr. Dave Green, Malden Scoutmaster also presented a check for $2,000 to be donated to Malden Parks and Recreation Board. Many other leaders and scouts where mentioned as part of Malden's rich history that dates back to the early 1930's. The following is a photographic memory of that special and beautiful day in Malden. Select the group photograph below the sponsor photograph and it will take you to a different page where you can enlarge the collage panels to see a close-up of people in the photo. Please be patient with the Flash show if you have a slower connection. You will need Adobe Flash Player to view the slide show. photographs

Malden Lighting Ceremony, Sept. 3, 2009

Celebrating years of planning by Malden's city government and hard work by volunteers in Malden, the downtown lighting ceremony was a big success. Hundreds of Maldenites gathered just before sundown to witness an eight o'clock countdown of "switching the the lights on" to cheers and applause of a long awaited event. Downtown Malden has not looked this good in 30 years and to be there and witness a renewal of hope for the future of downtown was thrilling and a proud moment for many who have worked hard to see it all come together. City employees of every department can be highly commended for bringing back pride and dedication to seeing Malden historic downtown blossom with new color and design not seen in many years. Congratulations to all citizens of Malden in this very unique and special moment. photographs

Malden Homecoming parade was as colorful and exciting as years past. Visit Malden in 2010 on Labor Day weekend and have a great time renewing friendships and celebrating with Malden Alumni. photographs

June 11, 2009
Just as I was leaving the Chamber of Commerce Banquet, my friend Wayne Baker hurried up to me and said, "Get your camera ready and go out side right now. The sky is beautiful". I immediately got my equipment in my bag and was outside in a flash and saw the most spectacular giant clouds in the eastern sky. I've read that clouds like these were full of incredible power and energy. Occasional bolts of lightening flashed in and around the mushroom shaped clouds. Sunset was on top of Malden and we were in for a wondrous performance by nature. I had a wonderful time shooting the sunset behind Community Center and eastern colorful skies of downtown. Main Street to the end of Decatur and the new Malden Nutrition Center basked in the evening light under giant cloud formations that dazzled anyone. It was a beautiful evening in Malden.